On Thursday 4 May, local elections were held across Bedfordshire and election counts were held on Friday 5 May.
Speaking after all the results were in, Richard Fuller MP said:
There were widely differing results in the two council areas that cover my constituency.
In Bedford Borough, Cllr Tom Wootton, defeated the incumbent Liberal Democrat, to win the Mayoralty for the first time since its inception in 2002, and fourteen Conservative councillors were returned, down only one on 2019. A great result for Tom and his team with potential for significant changes in the Borough as under the Mayoral system, much of the decision-making power of the Council is in the hands of the Mayor.
Tom has laid out a clear plan: for better infrastructure planning; strengthened focus and support for families; improving safety and “keeping Bedford moving” with rethinks on rail, road and buses. You can read about Tom’s plans here.
Having worked and sparred with (metaphorically of course), the outgoing Mayor, Dave Hodgson, for many years I would like to thank him for his service as Mayor. We often had different perspectives on issues, but I never doubted that Dave cared deeply about our Borough and wanted the best for it. I wish him well.
In Central Bedfordshire however, and despite a strong track record on council tax and services, the Conservatives lost control with Independents making 13 gains, particularly in Biggleswade, Potton, Sandy, Stotfold and Arlesey wards. I was disappointed to see many truly outstanding local Councillors lose their seats but look forward now to working with the newly elected councillors on their key manifesto pledges in the election.
